EU extends Zimbabwe sanctions

The European Union has extended sanctions on Zimbabwe for another 12 months, citing a lack of progress in implementing a power-sharing accord.

A unity government formed last year between President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the opposition, is beset by trouble, with no agreement over how to share executive power.

The pair struck a power-sharing deal in 2008 that was supposed to end a crisis aggravated by disputed elections.

However, they have failed to agree on political reforms that would clear the way for new elections.

'In view of the situation in Zimbabwe, in particular the lack of progress in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement signed in September 2008, the restrictive measures ... should be extended for a further period of 12 months,' the official journal of the EU said.

The EU began imposing sanctions in 2004, including an arms embargo and travel restrictions.

More than 200 individuals and 40 companies with ties to Mr Mugabe's government are now targeted because of their suspected links to human rights abuses.

The EU has, however, lifted sanctions on some individuals and companies, including Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company and the Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe, saying that there were no longer grounds to keep them on the list.